Ersatz Tramz

[GWR]

Is there a correct technical name for such pseudo-trams?

Also why do the BMA have to confuse things by giving them the same color-coded names as the city's mass-transit projects::confused:

Bangkok set to go on a charm offensive
Published on August 30, 2007

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to launch the "Charming Bangkok" campaign, which will develop five potential products and two tourist tram lines, hoping to turn Bangkok into the tourism capital of Asia.

..........

It is also planning to open two tourist tramlines in Bangkok. The first, the Red Line, is scheduled to operate in the next two weeks, running only on weekends. The tram will start from Hualumphong subway station and go through China Town, Charoen krung Road and return to Hualumphong.

The second line, the Yellow Line, is set to start in late October. It will run in the Rattanakosin Old Town area, starting from Wat Phra Kaew and ending at Tha Chang pier.

"These two trams are free services for tourists," said Apirak.

..........

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/30/business/business_30047023.php

[von Hirschhorn]

... please do not use the term tram anymore, it so misleading.

These rubber flanged street rollers have nothing to do with a tram exempt being look alike. Vehicle ridicule. You see them on different spots these days. The famous one circulated around Ratannakosin isle though trough streets ones serviced by the real forerunner on grooved rail. Furthermore they run in several parks or resorts spread over the country. In Phitsanulok I saw a pair running a city tour. All aboard and keep on dreaming but please do not call them a tram nor a bus, both they are not.
How to call, well a fancy name will do, let your imagination free.

[The Enforcer!]

Any news on exact routes and times of operation?

The Enforcer!

[GWR]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/08/p1news/images/30048222-01.jpg
[Photo: The Nation]
Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin waves as he rides on the inaugural tram tour around Bangkok’s China Town, or Yaowaraj, yesterday. The tram tours will be available on weekends between 11am and 10pm.

It also appears that these 'trams' will also be running for a few days as part of the ceremony to recommission the 'Giant Swing':

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=16981&postcount=6

[GWR]

This report about HM the King being admitted to Siriraj Hospital (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=2815) at first got me wondering why any one would want to do the following:


Park their car at Sanam Luang and somehow travel to say either Hualumpong or Samsen Station.
From there take some special railcar along the rather convoluted route of Bangsue-Taling Chan (direction switch)-Bangkok Thonburi.
And even then a stroll from the station to the hospital.


..........

Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was also there to sign the visitors' book as was Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayothin.

Mr Apirak urged those who wished to travel to Siriraj hospital to park their cars around Sanam Luang and get to the hospital via a special rail service compliments of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The rail service will operate between 8:00-22:00hrs.
May expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=122630

I sort of figured that it might be a tram. Just a shame that no one pointed out that there are no rails for it to run on, and these ersatz trams run on rubber tires anyway. And in fact it is seems to be both an ersatz tram and a ferry service:


...........

Because of the limited parking space at the hospital, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has urged motorists wishing to sign their names in the visitors book at the hospital to park their vehicles at Sanam Luang between 8am-12 noon and to catch a tram to transport them to a river pier from which they will then travel by shuttle boat across the river to the hospital.

...........

May expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=122636

See picture of an ersatz Bangkok tram in previous post

[Jromerz]

There are now 2 of these "trams" operating in Mahidol University's Salaya campus. One of them sports the red Chinese design (pictured earlier in this thread), while the other has the original colours of Bkk trams. They provide free transportation around the large campus, an addition to electric carts which also give free rides around Mahidol.

It seems the university is in the process of buying/renting them from the BMA and it is still in the trial period... Not your everyday purchase :P

[GWR]

Free ride for Asarnha Bucha and Buddhist Lent days

Merit makers will get free tram rides to nine city temples Asarnha Bucha Day (Thursday), and Buddhist Lent Day (Friday). Bangkok Deputy Governor Putthipong Punnakan said Wednesday.

BMA and the Culture Ministry have organised and alms ritual at 7am at Wat Mahathat today.

Four trams will transport merit makers between 8am and 7pm to Wat Phra Kaew, City Pillar Shrine, Wat Pho, Wat Ratchapradit, Wat Suthat Dhepwararam, Wat Saket, or Golden Mount, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Wat Chana Songkhram and Wat Mahathat.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/16/national/national_30078267.php

[Jromerz]

Mahidol University's Salaya campus now has 4 fully functional lines for these "trams". There are at least 20 trams operating throughout the day, with the main terminal of all the lines being right in the middle of the university campus. The different routes are colour coded: red, green, yellow, and blue. Very clear maps and signs to show where the system reaches, as well as proper seating at all of the stops along the lines. 2 of the lines go outside of the university campus, going a short way along Puttamonthon Sai 4 and Thammasop roads.

[GWR]

I'm not aware of the exact route, but Prince of Songkhla University Hat-Yai Campus also seems to be running an ersatz tram service.